Pneumatic Fifth Wheel Fixation System with Slotted Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing articulating fifth wheel systems face issues with heavy, cumbersome locking mechanisms that are difficult to store and require manual actuation, leading to potential damage and inefficiency, especially when the fifth wheel articulates excessively.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic fifth wheel fixation system featuring a tube with slots and a shaft with a handle, where the shaft is positioned inside the tube and includes locking points and deviating channels to maintain the handle in a stowed or actuated position, allowing for easy operation and prevention of unintentional deployment, and can be actuated using a compressor, pneumatic cylinder, or motorized system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single rod is inserted through pipe and sleeves to lock the fifth wheel, then the fifth wheel is secured in place, but the rod becomes heavy, dirty, and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple shafts (first shaft and second shaft) that can be stored separately in the tube, rather than using a single long rod. This segmentation allows each shaft to be compact and easy to store while collectively providing the necessary locking function when inserted through the keepers.
Solution Approach 2:
The shafts are stored nested within the tube when not in use, with the shafts positioned inside the hollow portion of the tube. This nesting arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be compact and easy to store while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If sleeves are set at a specific height, then the locking mechanism can be actuated, but certain fenders inhibit the insertion of the rod because the height of the fenders overlaps the height of the sleeves
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a dynamic shaft insertion system where the shafts can be inserted through slots in the tube at different positions. This allows the mechanism to adapt to different fender heights and configurations, as the shafts can be routed through appropriate slots regardless of fender position.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a single-height constraint to a multi-dimensional solution by using slots at different positions along the tube. This allows the shafts to be inserted at various heights and angles, accommodating different fender configurations without limiting the locking mechanism's adaptability.
3Reliability
If stoppers are placed on the four corners of the fifth wheel, then excessive articulation can be prevented, but it requires walking around the vehicle to actuate all four stoppers
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism merges the function of multiple stoppers into a single integrated system. The shafts can be inserted through slots in the tube to simultaneously engage multiple keepers, effectively combining the action of multiple stoppers into one operation from a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates the locking mechanism. The slots in the tube allow shafts to be inserted from a convenient location, and the shafts then engage multiple keepers through the tube structure, eliminating the need to walk around the vehicle to actuate stoppers at different locations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the upper coupler of a dump semitrailer articulates, then the fifth wheel can accommodate grade changes, but it creates too much movement which can damage the connection, including breaking the king pin or fifth wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by using the shafts and keepers to prevent excessive articulation movement before it can cause damage. The shafts engage with the keepers to limit the articulation range, preventing the king pin or fifth wheel from breaking due to excessive movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides feedback through the shaft and keeper system that monitors and limits articulation movement. When the fifth wheel articulates, the shafts engage with the keepers to provide tactile and mechanical feedback that prevents excessive movement, protecting the connection from damage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a lightweight, efficient, and easy-to-store solution that prevents damage from excessive articulation, allowing for secure locking and unlocking of the fifth wheel with minimal manual effort, enhancing operational safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Pneumatic fifth wheel fixation system includes a compressor, a pneumatic cylinder, a tube, and a shaft with the handle
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an articulating fifth wheel fixation device that includes a tube and a shaft. The tube includes a slot disposed along the length of the tube. The shaft is positioned inside a hollow portion of the tube. The shafts include a handle attached to a first end of the shaft. The shaft extends outward beyond the outer circumferential edge of the tube through the slot. Further discloses a pneumatic fifth wheel fixation system includes a compressor a pneumatic cylinder, a tube, and a shaft with the hand. The shaft is positioned inside a hollow portion of the tube. The shafts include a handle attached to a first end of the shaft. The shaft extends outward beyond the outer circumferential edge of the tube through the slot.